My, those Wednesday mornings come around real fast! And I guess so does Christmas. It’s going to be quiet here this year – both my children are approximately 2,000 kms from us (north and south), so it will be Darby and Joan (both alone).

We will have our dear friends Di & John over to Christmas dinner, when we
endeavour to devour Di’s leftovers from her Christmas Brunch with her family.

I must get the tree out and get it up, and decorate it – so at least it will feel like Christmas! We send a Christmas letter off to our friends and relatives and that’s all been done – so just sitting here twiddling my fingers! (Not really, I’m typing this newsletter!!).

There are a few Christmas break up parties to attend next week and then it will be pretty quiet for the next 6 weeks or so – a great opportunity to get busy and make a quilt top or two, tidy the sewing room and try some new needlework genre I’ve been keen to have a go with – Schwalm. Schwalm? You ask. It’s a German needlework genre that is just lovely, and I’d like to give it a go. If you’re interested, Google Schwalm Embroidery and enjoy the ride!

Last week I reviewed another of the great Fons and Porter publications – this one, very close to my heart titled Batik Quilts from Leisure Arts. Here’s the review for your interest: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art182105.asp

There was no response to the question about making patriotic quilts for the children of Fallen Soldiers (on the forum) last week. If you have something to offer please make your way to the forum and join in the conversation. Here’s the link: http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=43

I have some interesting goodies for you this week, hope you find the time to browse through them.

http://quiltworld2.blogspot.fi/p/instructions-for-quilts-crafts.html a very pretty bag to make

http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/tool-time-tuesdayice-cube-tray-organizer.html great storage ideas here, using a simple ice cube tray

http://www.107quilts.com/2011/07/tutorial-strip-pieced-wony-cross.html a wonky cross quilt tutorial

http://www.bhg.com/crafts/sewing/accessories/pincushion-trio/ a trio of pincushions

http://www.craftbuds.com/car-trash-bag-reusable-lunch-bag/ reusable trash bag for your car

http://thermoweb.com/blog/shabby-chic-flower-pillow-tutorial/ a very cute cushion to make

http://www.trinketsinbloom.com/crafts-diy/reversible-diy-trinket-bag/ great little trinket buckets to make

http://sewandthecity.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/ship-ahoi.html#.UW3DD27xI6M.blogger little boat softies for you to create

http://www.stitchedincolor.com/2012/08/tutorial-journal-covers.html how to cover journals for your friends

Well dear readers, it’s time to get going from this end and get a little ‘housework’ done – don’t get too excited I can’t stand the threads on the stairs a minute longer! Hope all’s well at your place and I’ll pop in again next week. Till then, keep those fingers busy.
Cheerio for now


Judie Bellingham, Quilting Editor
http://Quilting.bellaonline.com

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